Turkish Airlines has officially started flying to Australia – kicking off its inaugural Istanbul-Melbourne route at the weekend.
It means Turkish now flies to 346 destinations across 6 continents.
Turkish Airlines will operate 3 weekly flights to Melbourne, which is the most populated city in Australia, and will be the only European airline to serve the city.
It will fly from Istanbul, via Singapore Changi International Airport.
Commenting on the inaugural flight to Melbourne, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, said: “Today marks a monumental milestone for Turkish Airlines, as we celebrate the realisation of a long-held ambition—to extend our reach to the Australian continent.
“This achievement follows meticulous planning and extensive infrastructure developments, symbolising the successful bridging of Istanbul with a new and vibrant continent.
“The inauguration of our Melbourne route is a testament to our growing influence in the Asia-Pacific region and underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering connections between diverse cultures and communities across the globe. Australia, with its breathtaking landscapes and warm-hearted people, now becomes the 130th country to join our expansive network, signifying our presence across six continents.”
Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Jobs and Industry, said: “Victoria is home to Australia’s largest Türkiye-born community, a big nod to our vibrant multicultural state. We look forward to creating easier connections for this community and boosting tourism with the arrival of Turkish Airlines.”
Lorie Argus, Melbourne Airport CEO, said the airline’s entry into the Australian market provides new options for travellers and local exporters: “Turkish Airlines has an extensive network and flies to more countries than any other airline so this new competitor in the Australian market is fantastic news for consumers.
“We’ve worked closely with the Victorian State Government to bring Turkish Airlines to Melbourne, and we now look forward to seeing them growing their services over the coming years. Increased competition helps put downward pressure on prices, which will ensure Victorian residents and businesses can stay connected with family, friends and clients around the world.
“Melbourne is proudly home to the largest Turkish population in Australia, so we expect these flights will prove particularly popular with people looking to visit friends and relatives.”
In addition, Turkish Airlines has signed up as principal sponsorship partner to Melbourne Victory, the Australian city’s football club. The deal kicks in at the start of the4 2024/’25 season.
Turkish Airlines will prominently feature as the front-of-shirt partner for Melbourne Victory’s Isuzu UTE A-League Men’s and Liberty A-League Women’s teams, as well as across all Academy sides. The partnership will extend to various in-stadia activations, signage, and digital platforms.
Melbourne Victory will join the airlines’ ranks alongside other high-calibre sporting names such as UEFA Champions League, Türkiye National Football Team, and a host of some of Türkiye’s domestic footballing giants.
On the new partnership Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, stated: “We are glad to embark on this journey with Melbourne Victory—it’s a truly fitting partnership right now as we celebrate our inaugural entry into the vibrant city of Melbourne. Leveraging our shared values of excellence and passion for success to create memorable experiences for football fans and travellers alike is traditional for our airline at this point as we support numerous clubs in many athletic branches.”
